Kolkata, April 9 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday intensified the BJP’s campaign in West Bengal, highlighting “industrial decay” and “infiltration” as key issues, while offering six guarantees to voters as a counter to the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC’s policies.
Speaking at rallies in two industrial hubs and a tribal region of the state, Modi said the TMC’s actions had led to a situation where “everything was wrong,” and that a Trinamool-free Bengal was necessary for the state’s development.
“Those who have plundered Bengal will be held accountable,” Modi said in Haldia, promising to eliminate the “atmosphere of fear” and create trust under a BJP government.
Modi also criticized the Mamata Banerjee administration as “Nirmam” (cruel), contrasting it with the chief minister's name.
The Prime Minister outlined six “Modi guarantees” for the people, stating that the BJP would replace the TMC’s “atmosphere of fear” with “trust” after coming to power.
He pledged to reform the governance system and hold public servants accountable, adding that the BJP would reopen files on corruption and crimes against women.
Modi also stated that all corrupt leaders, regardless of their position, would be imprisoned.
He pledged to provide all refugee beneficiaries with government facilities and scheme benefits, while also stating that “illegal immigrants” would not be allowed to stay in the country.
Modi said that the BJP would immediately implement the 7th Pay Commission for state employees, teachers, and those in related sectors once in power.
Citing the BJP’s strong performance in Purba Medinipur in the 2021 elections, Modi claimed that the state was following the path set by the district five years ago.
“The Nandigram results will be repeated in Bhabanipur,” he said, referring to Adhikari's victory over Mamata Banerjee in 2021.
Adhikari is contesting against the incumbent CM in Bhabanipur this time.
In his efforts to counter Banerjee’s claims that the BJP would restrict Bengali consumption of fish, Modi alleged that the TMC government had failed to boost fish production despite high demand.
“Bengal imports fish from other states. In the last 15 years, the state has not taken any meaningful steps to enhance supply and achieve self-sufficiency in fish production,” he said.
The PM promised to make the state self-reliant in fisheries and the seafood sector.
Later, while addressing a rally in Asansol, a region known for its coal production and mining, the PM promised to abolish the “cut-money culture and the TMC’s syndicate Raj,” alleging that illegal coal and sand extraction had created a situation where people were suffering.
“A change of government in Bengal is now a certainty,” the Prime Minister said, adding, “This is not just an election to change the government, but an opportunity to restore industrial prowess to Asansol.”
Modi referred to the once thriving industrial belt in Asansol, and said, “Investment has left Asansol. Only the BJP’s double-engine government can help rectify the situation and fill the void.”
Speaking in Suri, Birbhum, Modi accused the TMC of unleashing “maha jungle raj” in reference to the 2022 Bagtui village massacre, in which around 10 women and children were killed.
He intensified the BJP’s infiltration plank for the upcoming polls and referred to last week’s gherao of judicial officers in Malda to criticize the TMC administration and reiterate his conviction of getting rid of “illegal entrants”.
“I stand before you today to make this promise: Once there is a change of guard in state power following these elections, I will initiate a special inquiry against the facilitators of infiltration in this state and put them behind bars,” Modi declared.
“The TMC slogan of ‘Maa-Mati-Manush’ (mother, land, people) is now an empty rhetoric. While Ma is crying and Manush is reeling under the fear of TMC goons, land encroachment by infiltrators under the current dispensation has reached dangerous proportions,” he added.
Accusing the PM of “misrepresenting facts” on his claims on fish production in Bengal, Banerjee hit back at Modi, alleging that people are not allowed to eat non-vegetarian food in BJP-ruled states.
“I heard that PM said that there is no fish production in Bengal, while Bihar is producing more and exporting. But you do not allow people to eat fish in Bihar. Here we purchase fish from markets and eat,” the TMC supremo said.
Earlier, Bengal used to import fish from Andhra Pradesh, but that has stopped, Banerjee said, urging Modi to keep track of these developments.
“You are uttering whatever your party people are whispering in your ears. You do not allow people to eat fish, eggs and meat in Rajasthan, Bihar, and UP. Shops (selling such items) are being shut down,” Banerjee claimed.
